Tim Duncan Biography

His talk isn't trashy and his game isn't flashy - but that hasn't stopped Tim Duncan from becoming a three-time playoff MVP. The seven-foot power forward led the San Antonio Spurs to their third NBA title with a game seven victory over the Detroit Pistons. Find out more about the 2005 NBA Playoff MVP.

Tim Duncan - Basketball Beginnings

Tim Duncan was born in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands and didn't start playing organized basketball until he was in ninth grade. Duncan began swimming at an early age and was one of the top swimmers for his age group in the 400-meter freestyle. However, in 1989, Hurricane Hugo came along and destroyed many parts of the Virgin Islands, including the pool where Tim Duncan would always swim. After that, Duncan decided to start shooting hoops and it turned out to be a pretty good choice.

Tim Duncan Turns Pro

Tim Duncan received a basketball scholarship to Wake Forest University in 1993 and was the first player picked in the 1997 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Tim Duncan made an immediate impact in the National Basketball Association. He was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 1998 and led the Spurs to their first NBA Title in 1999. In 2003, Duncan and the Spurs won their second NBA title by defeating the New Jersey Nets in six games. Tim Duncan is not the most exciting player and doesn't turn people's heads with killer crossovers or acrobatic dunks. But, other NBA players always know when Number 21's on the court. Tim Duncan's size, arm span and strength makes life miserable for his opponents. Duncan shoots from the outside, scores from the inside, blocks shots, helps his Spurs teammates get open and Tim Duncan can single-handedly win basketball games. It may not be flashy but you won't be getting any complaints from fans of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan - Did U Know?

Tim Duncan has a large knife collection, including a three foot samurai sword.

Tim and his wife, Amy, formed the Tim Duncan Foundation in 2001 which raises money for education and youth sports and recreation.